A firefighter who carried out a series of sexual assaults on three women, including a cocaine-fuelled attempt to drag a stranger into an alleyway to rape her, has been sentenced to more than five years behind bars.
A Predator's Despicable Conduct
Jamie Scott, 34, was found guilty by a jury at Perth Sheriff Court of a string of stalking and sex attack offences spanning from October 2023 to March 2024. Sheriff William Wood sentenced the former lifeguard to three years and six months in prison, with an additional two-year extension period upon his release to protect the public.
Sheriff Wood condemned Scott's actions, stating he had behaved in a 'despicable way' and was a 'sexual predator'. The court heard distressing evidence from the three young women, all of whom were visibly upset while recounting their ordeals.
The Details of the Attacks
The first attack occurred on October 7, 2023, at the victim's home in Perth. Scott, then a Perth-based firefighter and father-of-one, forced himself on the woman, kissing her, attempting further kisses, and placing his hand under her clothing to sexually touch her. He then stalked her for nearly four months.
The second, and most serious, incident took place in the early hours of October 24, 2023, in Dundee. Scott had snorted cocaine before 'prowling the streets'. He spotted a lone woman walking home, sidled up to her, and asked her to pretend to be his girlfriend. He then repeatedly grabbed her hand and tried to forcibly pull her into an alleyway with the intention of raping her. She managed to break free.
The third assault happened on March 22, 2024, in Perth. Scott met an acquaintance in a Tesco car park on Crieff Road, persuaded her into his car, and later sexually assaulted her by trying to kiss her repeatedly. After she escaped, he followed her home.
Career in Ruins and Lifetime Registration
Scott, who had been a firefighter for over six years, was suspended from the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service following his arrest. Defence counsel James McCrone said his career as a firefighter, which was 'central to his identity', was now at an end.
The court heard Scott has a history of substance misuse, addiction, and gambling difficulties. Reports presented to the sheriff highlighted his problematic attitudes, including victim-blaming and a lack of responsibility for his actions.
Jamie Scott has been placed on the sex offenders register for life. The extended sentence means he will be subject to supervision for two years after his prison term ends, a measure Sheriff Wood deemed necessary 'in order to protect the public from the risk of serious harm'.
